Hard disk drive integrated circuit with integrated gigabit ethernet interface module

ABSTRACT

An integrated circuit of a hard disk drive includes an Ethernet network interface module configured to transmit and receive data packets via an Ethernet connection. The data packets respectively include packet headers and at least one of small computer system interface (SCSI) commands and SCSI data requests. A processor is configured to process the data packets transmitted and received by the Ethernet network interface module. A hard disk control module is configured to control, based on the at least one of the SCSI commands and the SCSI data requests, writing of data to a hard disk and reading of the data from the hard disk. Each of the hard disk control module, the processor, and the network interface module is located in the integrated circuit.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present disclosure is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 13/447,486 (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,316,167), filed on Apr. 16, 2012,which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/245,269(now U.S. Pat. No. 8,161,215), filed on Sep. 26, 2011, which is acontinuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/455,168 (now U.S.Pat. No. 8,028,109), filed on Jun. 16, 2006, which claims the benefit ofU.S. Provisional Application No. 60/780,550, filed on Mar. 9, 2006. Theentire disclosures of the above referenced applications are incorporatedherein by reference.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to hard disk drives (HDDs), and moreparticularly to HDD integrated circuits (ICs).

BACKGROUND

The background description provided herein is for the purpose ofgenerally presenting the context of the disclosure. Work of thepresently named inventors, to the extent it is described in thisbackground section, as well as aspects of the description which may nototherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are neitherexpressly nor impliedly admitted as prior art against the presentdisclosure.

Electronic devices such as computers, laptops, personal video recorders(PVRs), MP3 players, game consoles, set-top boxes, digital cameras, andother electronic devices often need to store a large amount of data.Storage devices such as HDDs may be used to meet these storagerequirements.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a HDD 10 includes a hard disk drive assembly(HDA) printed circuit board (PCB) 14. A buffer module 18 stores datathat is associated with the control of the HDD 10. The buffer module 18may employ SDRAM or other types of low latency memory. A processor 22 isarranged on the HDA PCB 14 and performs processing that is related tothe operation of the HDD 10. A hard disk drive controller (HDC) module26 communicates with an input/output interface module 24 and with aspindle/voice coil motor (VCM) driver module 30 and/or a read/writechannel module 34. The input/output interface module can be a serialinterface module, a parallel interface module, a serial AdvanceTechnology Attachment (ATA) interface module, a parallel ATA interfacemodule and/or other suitable interface module.

During write operations, the read/write channel module 34 encodes thedata to be written by a read/write device 59, as described in detailhereinbelow. The read/write channel 34 processes the signal forreliability and may include, for example error correction coding (ECC),run length limited coding (RLL), and the like. During read operations,the read/write channel module 34 converts an analog output of theread/write device 59 to a digital signal. The converted signal is thendetected and decoded by known techniques to recover the data written onthe hard disk drive.

A hard drive assembly (HDA) 50 includes one or more hard drive platters52 that include a magnetic coating that stores magnetic fields. Theplatters 52 are rotated by a spindle motor 54. Generally the spindlemotor 54 rotates the hard drive platters 52 at a fixed speed during theread/write operations. One or more read/write arms 58 move relative tothe platters 52 to read and/or write data to/from the hard driveplatters 52. The spindle/VCM driver 30 controls the spindle motor 54,which rotates the platter 52. The spindle/VCM driver 30 also generatescontrol signals that position the read/write arm 58 by using mechanismssuch as a voice coil actuator, a stepper motor, or any other suitableactuator.

A read/write device 59 is located near a distal end of the read/writearm 58. The read/write device 59 includes a write element such as aninductor that generates a magnetic field. The read/write device 59 alsoincludes a read element (such as a magneto-resistive (MR) element) thatsenses the magnetic field on the platter 52. The HDA 50 includes apreamp module 60, which amplifies analog read/write signals.

When reading data, the preamp module 60 amplifies low level signals fromthe read element and outputs the amplified signal to the read/writechannel module 34. While writing data, a write current is generated thatflows through the write element of the read/write device 59. The writecurrent is switched to produce a magnetic field having a positive ornegative polarity. The positive or negative polarity is stored by thehard drive platters 52 and is used to represent data.

SUMMARY

In general, in one aspect, this specification describes a systemincluding a network interface module, a first processor, a hard diskcontrol module, and a second processor. The network interface module isconfigured to communicate with a network. The first processor isconfigured to (i) communicate with the network interface module, and(ii) perform processing related to communication of a hard disk drivewith the network via the network interface module. The hard disk controlmodule is configured to (i) communicate with the first processor, and(ii) control operation of the hard disk drive. The second processor isconfigured to (i) communicate with the hard disk control module, and(ii) perform processing related to storing data on the hard disk drive.The second processor and the hard disk control module are configured toprocess packets communicated via the network interface module using ahyper-text transfer protocol, a peer-to-peer sharing protocol, and anInternet protocol-based small computer system interface standard.

Further areas of applicability of the present disclosure will becomeapparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It shouldbe understood that the detailed description and specific examples, whileindicating the preferred embodiment of the disclosure, are intended forpurposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope ofthe disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure will become more fully understood from thedetailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of a hard disk drive (HDD)according to the prior art;

FIG. 2A is a functional block diagram of an exemplary HDD according tothe present disclosure;

FIG. 2B is a functional block diagram of an exemplary wired Ethernetnetwork interface module for the HDD of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 3A is a functional block diagram of an exemplary wired Ethernetnetwork interface module according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 3B is a functional block diagram of an exemplary HDD comprising thewired Ethernet network interface module of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of another exemplary HDD accordingto the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of an exemplary wired Ethernetnetwork interface module for the HDD of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6A is a functional block diagram of a high definition television;

FIG. 6B is a functional block diagram of a vehicle control system;

FIG. 6C is a functional block diagram of a set top box; and

FIG. 6D is a functional block diagram of a media player.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is in no wayintended to limit the disclosure, its application, or uses. For purposesof clarity, the same reference numbers will be used in the drawings toidentify similar elements. As used herein, the term module, circuitand/or device refers to an Application Specific Integrated Circuit(ASIC), an electronic circuit, a processor (shared, dedicated, or group)and memory that execute one or more software or firmware programs, acombinational logic circuit, and/or other suitable components thatprovide the described functionality. As used herein, the phrase at leastone of A, B, and C should be construed to mean a logical (A or B or C),using a non-exclusive logical or. It should be understood that stepswithin a method may be executed in different order without altering theprinciples of the present disclosure.

Referring now to FIG. 2A, an exemplary HDD 100 includes a HDD integratedcircuit (IC) 114. The HDC IC 114 may be arranged on a printed circuitboard (PCB) 115. The HDD IC 114 implements a buffer module 118, aprocessor 122, a wireline (i.e., wired) network interface module 124,and a hard disk drive controller (HDC) module 126. The HDC module 126communicates with the wireline network interface module 124, aspindle/voice coil motor (VCM) driver module 130, and/or a read/writechannel module 134.

The wireline network interface module 124 sends and receives packets ona medium as will be described further below. The read/write channelmodule 134 encodes the write data to be written and decodes read data.By integrating the wireline network interface module 124 with other HDDcomponents on the HDD IC 114, cost and size of the HDD 100 tends todecrease and performance tends to increase.

A hard disk drive assembly (HDA) 150 includes one or more hard driveplatters 152 that are rotated by a spindle motor 154. One or moreread/write arms 158 move relative to the platters 152 to read and/orwrite data to/from the hard drive platters 152. The spindle/VCM drivermodule 130 controls the spindle motor 154, which rotates the platter152. The spindle/VCM driver module 130 also generates control signalsthat position the read/write arm 158 by using mechanisms such as a voicecoil actuator, a stepper motor, or any other suitable actuator.

A read/write device 159 is located near a distal end of the read/writearm 158. The read/write device 159 includes a write element such as aninductor that generates a magnetic field. The read/write device 159 alsoincludes a read element (such as a magneto-resistive (MR) element) thatsenses the magnetic field on the platter 152. The HDA 150 includes apreamp module 160, which amplifies analog read/write signals.

The wireline network interface module 124 and/or the processor 170 mayalso support encryption/decryption. An RJ-45 connector 172 may beprovided to connect CATS, CAT6 and/or other suitable cable to thewireline network interface module 124. The wireline network interfacemodule 124 can be Ethernet compliant and can operate at speeds greaterthan or equal to 1 Gigabit per second.

A transformer 174 may likewise be provided to provide suitable supplyvoltage and current from a power source such as a battery and/or ACsupply. Alternately, the HDD 100 can operate using power delivered overthe cable. In other words, the HDD 100 can operate as apower-over-Ethernet device.

The processor 122 and/or a second processor 170 may be provided toperform functions related to the receipt and processing of the packetsreceived from and/or sent to the wireline network interface module 124.For example, the processors 122 and/or 170 may support http serverfunctionality. The processors 122 and/or 170 may support a peer-to-peersharing protocol server such as BitTorrent.

The processors 122 and/or 170 may support Internet Small Computer SystemInterface module (iSCSI). iSCSI is an Internet Protocol (IP)-basedstorage networking standard for linking data storage facilities. Bycarrying SCSI commands over IP networks, iSCSI is used to facilitatedata transfers over intranets and to manage storage over long distances.

When an end user or application sends a request, the operating systemgenerates the appropriate SCSI commands and data request, which then gothrough encapsulation and, if necessary, encryption procedures. A packetheader is added before the resulting IP packets are transmitted over anEthernet connection.

When a packet is received, it is decrypted (if it is encrypted beforetransmission), and disassembled, separating the SCSI commands andrequest. The SCSI commands are sent on to the SCSI controller, which canbe implemented by the HDC module 126, the processor 122 and/or theprocessor 170, and from there to the SCSI storage device. Because iSCSIis bi-directional, the protocol can also be used to return data inresponse to the original request.

The peer-to-peer sharing protocol server such as BitTorrent is a contentdistribution protocol that enables efficient software distribution andpeer-to-peer sharing of very large files by enabling users to serve asnetwork redistribution points. Rather than having to send a download toeach customer individually, the content is sent to one customer whoshares it with other customers. Together the customers share the piecesof the download back and forth until everyone has the complete download.

Referring now to FIG. 2B, an exemplary wireline network interface module124 for the hard disk drive 100 of FIG. 2A is shown. The wirelinenetwork interface module 124 can be compliant with IEEE section 802.3ab.The wireline network interface module 124 may include a Gigabit Ethernetnetwork device 198 that operates at speeds greater than or equal to 1Gb/s and/or 10 Gb/s. The Gigabit Ethernet network device 198 includes amedium access control (MAC) module 200 and a physical layer (PHY) module202. The PHY module 202 includes transmitters 204-1, 204-2, . . . and204-4 (collectively transmitters 204) and receivers 206-1, 206-2, . . .and 206-4 (collectively receivers 206). Each of the transmitters 204 andreceivers 206 may be implemented by transceivers (not shown).

Transmitters 204 and receivers 206 communicate with hybrids 208-1,208-2, . . . and 208-4 (collectively hybrids 208). Specifically, atransmitter 204-1 and a receiver 206-1 communicate with a hybrid 208-1.A transmitter 204-2 and a receiver 206-2 communicate with a hybrid208-2, etc. The hybrids 208, in turn, communicate with twisted wirepairs of a cable 209-1, . . . , and 209-4 (collectively cable 209). AnRJ-45 connector 172 may be provided to connect CAT5, CAT6 and/or othersuitable cable to the wireline network interface module 124.

In some implementations, the hybrids 208 may be implemented separatelyfrom (i.e., external to) the wireline network interface module 124.Referring now to FIGS. 3A-3B, an exemplary wireline network interfacemodule 124-1 for the hard disk drive 100-1 of FIG. 3B is shown. Thewireline network interface module 124-1 does not include the hybrids208. Instead, a hybrid module 171, which is separate and apart from thewireline network interface module 124-1, includes the hybrids 208.

The wireline network interface module 124-1 can be compliant with IEEEsection 802.3ab. The wireline network interface module 124-1 may includea Gigabit Ethernet network device 198-1 that operates at speeds greaterthan or equal to 1 Gb/s and/or 10 Gb/s. The Gigabit Ethernet networkdevice 198-1 includes a medium access control (MAC) module 200 and aphysical layer (PHY) module 202. The PHY module 202 includestransmitters 204-1, 204-2, . . . and 204-4 (collectively transmitters204) and receivers 206-1, 206-2, . . . and 206-4 (collectively receivers206). Each of the transmitters 204 and receivers 206 may be implementedby transceivers (not shown).

The hybrid module 171 comprises hybrids 208-1, 208-2, . . . and 208-4(collectively hybrids 208). The wireline network interface module 124-1communicates with the hybrid module 171. That is, transmitters 204 andreceivers 206 communicate with hybrids 208. Specifically, a transmitter204-1 and a receiver 206-1 communicate with a hybrid 208-1. Atransmitter 204-2 and a receiver 206-2 communicate with a hybrid 208-2,etc. The hybrids 208, in turn, communicate with twisted wire pairs of acable 209-1, . . . , and 209-4 (collectively cable 209). An RJ-45connector 172 may be provided to connect CAT5, CAT6 and/or othersuitable cable to the hybrid module 171.

Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, another exemplary HDD 150 according tothe present disclosure is shown to include an integrated wirelessnetwork interface module 224 that sends and receives packets wirelessly.In FIG. 5, a functional block diagram of an exemplary integratedwireless network interface module 224 for the HDD 150 of FIG. 4 isshown.

The integrated wireless network interface module 224 includes a physicallayer (PHY) module 234, which provides an interface module to thewireless medium via one or more antennas. A medium access control (MAC)module 230 provides an interface module between the PHY module 234 and ahost. In this case, the host is the processor 122 and/or 170 and/or theHDC module 126 of the HDD 150.

Referring now to FIGS. 6A-6D various exemplary implementations of thepresent disclosure are shown. HDD 100, HDD 100-1, and HDD 150 arehereinafter collectively referred to as HDD 100 s. Referring now to FIG.6A, the HDD 100 s can be implemented in mass data storage 427 of a highdefinition television (HDTV) 420. The HDTV 420 receives HDTV inputsignals in either a wired or wireless format and generates HDTV outputsignals for a display 426. In some implementations, signal processingcircuit and/or control circuit 422 and/or other circuits (not shown) ofthe HDTV 420 may process data, perform coding and/or encryption, performcalculations, format data and/or perform any other type of HDTVprocessing that may be required.

The HDTV 420 may communicate with mass data storage 427 that stores datain a nonvolatile manner such as the HDD 100 s. The HDD 100 s may includea mini HDD that includes one or more platters having a diameter that issmaller than approximately 1.8″. The HDTV 420 may be connected to memory428 such as RAM, ROM, low latency nonvolatile memory such as flashmemory and/or other suitable electronic data storage. The HDTV 420 alsomay support connections with a WLAN via a WLAN network interface module429.

Referring now to FIG. 6B, the HDD 100 s may be implemented in mass datastorage of a vehicle control system. In some implementations, apowertrain control system 432 receives inputs from one or more sensors.The sensors may include temperature sensors, pressure sensors,rotational sensors, airflow sensors and/or any other suitable sensors.The powertrain control system 432 may generate one or more outputcontrol signals such as engine operating parameters, transmissionoperating parameters, and/or other control signals.

The HDD 100 s may also be implemented in other control systems 440 ofthe vehicle 430. The control system 440 may likewise receive signalsfrom input sensors 442 and/or output control signals to one or moreoutput devices 444. In some implementations, the control system 440 maybe part of an anti-lock braking system (ABS), a navigation system, atelematics system, a vehicle telematics system, a lane departure system,an adaptive cruise control system, a vehicle entertainment system suchas a stereo, DVD, compact disc and the like. Still other implementationsare contemplated.

The powertrain control system 432 may communicate with mass data storage446 that stores data in a nonvolatile manner. The mass data storage 446may include the hard disk drives HDD 100 s. The HDD 100 s may include amini HDD that includes one or more platters having a diameter that issmaller than approximately 1.8″. The powertrain control system 432 maybe connected to memory 447 such as RAM, ROM, low latency nonvolatilememory such as flash memory and/or other suitable electronic datastorage. The powertrain control system 432 also may support connectionswith a WLAN via a WLAN network interface module 448. The control system440 may also include mass data storage, memory and/or a WLAN interfacemodule (all not shown).

Referring now to FIG. 6C, the HDD 100 s can be implemented in mass datastorage 490 of a set top box 480. The set top box 480 receives signalsfrom a source such as a broadband source and outputs standard and/orhigh definition audio/video signals suitable for a display 488 such as atelevision and/or monitor and/or other video and/or audio outputdevices. The signal processing and/or control circuits 484 and/or othercircuits (not shown) of the set top box 480 may process data, performcoding and/or encryption, perform calculations, format data and/orperform any other set top box function.

The set top box 480 may communicate with mass data storage 490 thatstores data in a nonvolatile manner. The mass data storage 490 mayinclude the HDD 100 s. The HDD 100 s may include a mini HDD thatincludes one or more platters having a diameter that is smaller thanapproximately 1.8″. The set top box 480 may be connected to memory 494such as RAM, ROM, low latency nonvolatile memory such as flash memoryand/or other suitable electronic data storage. The set top box 480 alsomay support connections with a WLAN via a WLAN network interface module496.

Referring now to FIG. 6D, the HDD 100 s can be implemented in mass datastorage 510 of a media player 500. In some implementations, the mediaplayer 500 includes a display 507 and/or a user input 508 such as akeypad, touchpad and the like. In some implementations, the media player500 may employ a graphical user interface module (GUI) that typicallyemploys menus, drop down menus, icons and/or a point-and-click interfacemodule via the display 507 and/or user input 508. The media player 500further includes an audio output 509 such as a speaker and/or audiooutput jack. The signal processing and/or control circuits 504 and/orother circuits (not shown) of the media player 500 may process data,perform coding and/or encryption, perform calculations, format dataand/or perform any other media player function.

The media player 500 may communicate with mass data storage 510 thatstores data such as compressed audio and/or video content in anonvolatile manner. In some implementations, the compressed audio filesinclude files that are compliant with MP3 format or other suitablecompressed audio and/or video formats. The mass data storage may includethe HDD 100 s. The HDD 100 s may include a mini HDD that includes one ormore platters having a diameter that is smaller than approximately 1.8″.The media player 500 may be connected to memory 514 such as RAM, ROM,low latency nonvolatile memory such as flash memory and/or othersuitable electronic data storage. The media player 500 also may supportconnections with a WLAN via a WLAN network interface module 516. Stillother implementations in addition to those described above arecontemplated.

Those skilled in the art can now appreciate from the foregoingdescription that the broad teachings of the disclosure can beimplemented in a variety of forms. Therefore, while this disclosureincludes particular examples, the true scope of the disclosure shouldnot be so limited since other modifications will become apparent to theskilled practitioner upon a study of the drawings, the specification andthe following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An integrated circuit of a hard disk drive, theintegrated circuit comprising: an Ethernet network interface moduleconfigured to transmit and receive data packets via an Ethernetconnection, wherein the data packets respectively include i) packetheaders, and ii) at least one of small computer system interface (SCSI)commands and SCSI data requests; a processor configured to process thedata packets transmitted and received by the Ethernet network interfacemodule; and a hard disk control module configured to control, based onthe at least one of the SCSI commands and the SCSI data requests,writing of data to a hard disk and reading of the data from the harddisk, wherein each of the hard disk control module, the processor, andthe network interface module is located in the integrated circuit. 2.The integrated circuit of claim 1, wherein the processor is configuredto support at least one of hyper-text transfer protocol, a peer-to-peersharing protocol, and Internet SCSI protocol.
 3. The integrated circuitof claim 1, wherein the Ethernet network interface module is configuredto perform encryption and decryption of the data packets.
 4. Theintegrated circuit of claim 1, wherein the Ethernet network interfacemodule is compliant with IEEE 802.3ab protocol.
 5. The integratedcircuit of claim 1, wherein the Ethernet network interface modulecomprises: a media access control (MAC) module configured to communicatewith the processor; and a physical layer (PHY) module configured tocommunicate with the MAC module and the Ethernet connection, the PHYmodule comprising: a plurality of hybrids configured to communicate withthe Ethernet connection via respective cables; and a plurality oftransceivers configured to communicate with respective ones of theplurality of hybrids.
 6. The integrated circuit of claim 1, wherein theintegrated circuit is configured to receive power via the Ethernetconnection.
 7. A printed circuit board, comprising: the integratedcircuit of claim 1; and a connector configured to connect the Ethernetnetwork interface module with the Ethernet connection.
 8. The printedcircuit board of claim 7, wherein the connector includes an RJ-45connector.
 9. A method of operating an integrated circuit of a hard diskdrive, the method comprising: using the integrated circuit, transmittingand receiving data packets via an Ethernet connection, wherein the datapackets respectively include i) packet headers, and ii) at least one ofsmall computer system interface (SCSI) commands and SCSI data requests;processing the data packets transmitted and received by the integratedcircuit; and controlling, based on the at least one of the SCSI commandsand the SCSI data requests, writing of data to a hard disk and readingof the data from the hard disk.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein theintegrated circuit is configured to support at least one of hyper-texttransfer protocol, a peer-to-peer sharing protocol, and Internet SCSIprotocol.
 11. The method of claim 9, further comprising, using theintegrated circuit, performing encryption and decryption of the datapackets.
 12. The method of claim 9, wherein the transmitting and thereceiving are compliant with IEEE 802.3ab protocol.
 13. The method ofclaim 9, wherein the integrated circuit comprises: a media accesscontrol (MAC) module; and a physical layer (PHY) module, the PHY modulecomprising: a plurality of hybrids configured to communicate with theEthernet connection via respective cables; and a plurality oftransceivers configured to communicate with respective ones of theplurality of hybrids.
 14. The method of claim 9, further comprisingreceiving power via the Ethernet connection.
 15. The method of claim 9,further comprising arranging, on a printed circuit board, i) theintegrated circuit, and ii) a connector configured to connect theintegrated circuit with the Ethernet connection.
 16. The method of claim15, wherein the connector includes an RJ-45 connector.